Finally! A non global warming question: Can ocean acidification be offset by the carbonate cycle over time?

Question

Please be an adult. No HS kids.

Answer 1

Sorry to disappoint you, but this is related to global warming a little bit.

Oceans get their acidity from Carbonic Acid, which is formed when CO2 gas from the air dissolves in water. The two compounds exist in dynamic equilibrium, crossing the air/water surface boundary  as they change form. As we release more CO2 to the atmosphere, more of it will enter the waterways as an acid to stay in this balance.

Yes, the cycle pumps it back out into the air, but the total amount on both sides is increasing. The carbon that forms the CO2 and Carbonic Acid used to be tied up in coal and oil, but it won't be back in that state for a while.

Answer 2

yes